Racing abandoned for Ayr Gold Cup opener

The first day of Ayr’s William Hill Gold Cup meeting has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

Nearly 10 millimetres of rain fell overnight at the course, with more forecast throughout Thursday.

An impromptu 08:00 BST inspection was called by officials and almost immediately the decision was taken to call off proceedings.

A 06:30 precautionary inspection was announced for Friday’s meeting, with the weather expected to improve.

Iain Ferguson, Ayr’s head of public relations, said: “Racing has been abandoned today.

“There’s standing water on the track and with more rain forecast it is unlikely to clear in time.

“Our clerk of the course Harriet Graham is, however, confident that racing will take place tomorrow, although we will keep everyone posted if that changes.”